Two men face first-degree felony arson allegations in connection with a 2025 fire at an occupied Midlothian home after investigators linked a pickup truck, cellphone records and DNA evidence to the case, the Midlothian Police Department announced Tuesday.
Rashad Gilbert Harrington, 27, of DeSoto, and Bennie Leon McGriff Jr., 55, of Kerens, face allegations of arson of a habitation, the department said in its November 10 release. Police allege McGriff drove Harrington to Midlothian and took him away after the fire.
Police and firefighters responded to the 900 block of McAlpin Road at about 1:05 a.m. on August 12, 2025. Officers found burn damage on the front exterior of a home.
The homeowner told investigators his daughter woke him and warned him about the fire. He extinguished the flames before emergency personnel arrived, police said.
Security footage showed a male suspect wearing a hooded sweatshirt, gloves, and a face covering carrying what appeared to be a gasoline container, police said. Investigators allege he poured an ignitable liquid around the front of the home, set it alight and ran away.
Detectives recovered a gas can nozzle near the scene and submitted it for forensic testing. Police said DNA evidence collected during the investigation matched Harrington. The release did not specify which item yielded the DNA match.
Neighborhood surveillance showed a white Ford F-450 traveling nearby before and after the fire. Search warrants, vehicle telematics, and cellular records helped investigators identify the truck as McGriff’s, police said.
Flock cameras helped investigators trace the truck from Kerens through Duncanville to Midlothian shortly before the fire, police said. Cellular records also showed contact between McGriff and Harrington before and after the offense, according to the release.
Detectives obtained arrest warrants for both men. The La Salle County Sheriff’s Office arrested Harrington, and the Navarro County Sheriff’s Office arrested McGriff, police said. Investigators allege McGriff assisted as a party to the offense.
Texas law classifies arson under Section 28.02(a) as a first-degree felony when the intended target is a habitation.
The release did not identify a motive or provide arrest dates or bond amounts.
Provided by Dallas Express
